sbsheriffSource: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested an Orcutt man for multiple sexual assaults and they are seeking the public’s help in locating any additional survivors. Detectives began their investigation on March 12, 2021, when they received a report of a sexual assault that occurred at a residence in the Orcutt area. Through that initial report, they identified their suspect as 56-year-old Faustino Urrutia of Orcutt.
As their investigation continued, detectives identified additional victims who were targeted by Urrutia with similar tactics. Urrutia’s victims were Spanish speaking females he lured to his home in Orcutt as prospective house cleaners. Based on their investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for felony sexual assault charges. Urrutia was arrested on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, in the area of Highway 135 and Foster Road. He is being held at the Main Jail with $100,000 bail.
This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives believe there may be other survivors who have not yet been contacted. Detectives are releasing Urrutia’s booking photo and encouraging anyone with information about these allegations or information that may lead to the discovery of other victims to contact the Sheriff’s Office – Santa Maria Detective’s Bureau at (805) 934-6170. You can also contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4171 or visit our website.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partners, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) and the North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center (NCRCCPC). Services offered by STESA and the NCRCCPC include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA or NCRCCPC advocate at any time by calling their respective hotlines (805) 564-3696 or (805) 736-7273.
The Sheriff’s Office is aware that survivors of sexual assault and abuse are often reluctant to come forward for many different reasons. We have many resources available regardless of your decision to participate in a criminal investigation. Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at 805-568-2400 or toll free at 855-840-3232.
